2007

Severn Bridge Cable Wrapping

Client

The Highways Agency

Location

Severn Estuary

Contractor

Laing O’Rourke

Client

The Highways Agency

Location

Severn Estuary

Contractor

Laing O’Rourke

Project Details

Fabric

Hypalon Wrap

Project Outline

The Highways Agency anti-corrosion programme for the Severn River Suspension Bridge requires the sealing of the cables with Hypalon fabric wrapping. Initially we supplied rope access labour to assist with the wrapping work but whilst on site we soon realised that the process could be much improved with the use of an inflatable welding blanket.

Our Solution

Using technologies developed through out core business of manufacturing Tensile Fabric Structures, we designed, manufactured and supplied a solution incorporating an air cushion that when pressurised, formed itself onto the surface of the main cable whatever the size or shape. This system successfully speeds up the de-humidification process and improves the quality of weld and has been widely adpopted within the bridge cable wrapping industry.

We completed the first phase of these works in 2007 but this is an ongoing project with further phases of work and many more bridges and cables to go!